Service Dog For Veterans Carmichael, CA
We provide custom-trained service dogs for Veterans in Carmichael, CA free of charge with lifetime support.
While military service only lasts for a limited time, the psychological and physical wounds experienced by Veterans can last forever. The healing process is a unique journey for every Veteran, and for some, every day is a challenge. From the roughly 2.7 million Americans that have deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan since 2001, it's estimated that 1 in 5 is experiencing Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Conditions like PTSD, MST, and TBI present numerous symptoms that disrupt daily living and make it difficult to sleep, socialize, and maintain independence.
Veterans receive tremendous support from service dogs, which can help improve their quality life. PAVE's mission is to make it easier for more Veterans to enjoy the benefits of service dogs. By offering customized training and lifetime support, we make a tangible and significant difference in the lives of Veterans. We are ready to help you regain your independence. Contact us today for more information
Could A Service Dog From PAVE Support You?
Veteran with psychological or physical disabilities may experience a variety of chronic and complex symptoms, including anxiety, social difficulties, depression, and nightmares. A PAVE service dog can complete specialized tasks for Veterans to improve their quality of life. PAVE service dogs have been proven to provide support to Veterans in a variety of ways, from making basic tasks easier to providing critical support to those who face significant challenges.
- Wake up Veterans during nightmares
- Sleep quality and quantity can be improved
- Increase your independence
- Increase positive social interactions
- Lower symptoms of PTSD, MST, anxiety, and depression
- Reduce medication use
- Make the Veteran's life more enjoyable and encourage a positive outlook
- Assist with everyday tasks by providing physical assistance
- Reduce hypervigilance
The Basic Criteria for a Service Dog
- You became disabled while serving the country. It doesn't necessarily have to be combat-related.
- A clinical diagnosis of PTSD or MST, TBI, or the need for specific physical assistance.
- You are currently receiving support from a provider.
- Can attend the training camp in Portland Metro, Oregon. You will be responsible for your transportation and accommodation.
- Living Oregon or in California, Idaho and Oregon.
- Can satisfy the mental, physical, and emotional needs of a dog.
- You have been honorably discharged.
PAVE does not place service dogs in the areas of legally blindness, hearing impairment, or medical alert dogs (seizure or diabetic alert). For organizations that specialize in these areas, please see ADI.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Service Dogs for Veterans
PAVE's mission is to train and provide service dogs for our Veterans suffering from psychological and/or physical disabilities.
PAVE does not place service dogs for legally blind, hearing impaired, or medical alert dogs (seizure, diabetic alert, for example). These organizations can be found at ADI.
Yes, PAVE is an accredited member of Assistance Dogs International. This internationally recognized organization sets standards and encourages excellence in all areas related to assistance dog training, acquisition, and partnership. Only three Oregon organizations are currently accredited members.
PAVE, a 501(c),(3) non-profit organization, is funded through private donations, corporate donations and foundation funding.
It costs approximately $42,000 for each dog. It also includes support and training throughout the dog's life.
Approximately 90 cents of every dollar is spent on program expenses.
PAVE provides the service dogs, the training and the ongoing support for free, in addition to the initial supply and equipment valued at more than $1,500.
A service dog can take between 1.5-2 years to train.
PAVE is a partner with Guide Dogs for the Blind, selected breeders, and rescues/shelters.
PAVE trains Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers or Lab/Golden crosses.
These breeds have been proven to be excellent service dogs in terms of temperament, aptitude, and work ethic.
Once the dogs have joined our program, we will start training!
PAVE dogs are trained by certified, professional dog trainers specializing in service dogs. They employ positive reinforcement techniques.
PAVE assistance dogs are trained to accommodate the unique disability needs of Veterans. They may perform the following tasks depending on the Veteran's particular needs:
- Turn lights on/off
- Doors can be opened or closed
- Retrieve items
- Nightmare interruption
- Redirect Veterans during a PTSD episode
- Grounding and Deep Pressure Therapy (DPT)
PAVE doesn't train or certify pets already owned by Veterans. Assistance Dogs International provides a list of organizations that provide this type of training.
The following qualifications are required for the first time:
- Honorable discharge.
- A licensed health professional who can offer ongoing support for people with mental and/or physically disabilities.
- Housing and financial stability to provide for the well-being of the service dog.
Have another Question?
Email the PAVE team at [email protected], and we’ll answer all your questions about service dogs for Veterans.
Why use PAVE?
Paws Assisting Veterans is a non-profit organization dedicated to supporting Veterans. As a non-profit service organization, we offer service dogs at no cost to Veterans and provide lifetime support. Veterans can lead a happy, independent life with the help of service dogs who have been trained to perform specific tasks.
Apply for a PAVE Service Dog
Are you ready to regain your independence?
Our team is here to help you with the entire PAVE process. From application to training camp, we will support you and your new companion/service dog. We are dedicated to helping you live a better and more fulfilling life. Our trainers can provide professional advice and tailored training. There ie no cost to your service dog, training or ongoing support.
Start your journey to PAVE by completing this simple contact form.
We are looking forward to hearing from you.
Help Veterans Regain Their Freedom
Service dogs save lives. Help us to help Veterans by supporting PAVE. Your support and generosity go directly towards helping our Veterans and more donations mean more service dogs for Veterans in need.